On Feb 6 and 7, MassRobotics welcomed corporate sponsors, startup founders, and academic leaders to two key events designed to strengthen connections within the robotics, physical AI, and automation ecosystem. The Sponsors Reception at MassRobotics provided an opportunity for industry leaders to engage directly with both resident startups and the newly announced 2025 MassRobotics Accelerator cohort, fostering conversations around commercialization, technical collaboration, and investment. The following morning, Future of Robotics & AI at Harvard SEAS offered an intimate setting where sponsor executives, researchers, and innovators dialogued through and explored critical developments in robotics and artificial intelligence.

Tom Ryden from MassRobotics, Natalie Brown from ADI, Karl Wachswender and Sal Onorato from Lattice Semiconductor

At the Sponsors Reception, startup founders and corporate executives engaged in discussions about the evolving landscape of automation, manufacturing, and physical AI-driven robotics. The evening brought together technical and business leaders who are shaping the direction of these industries, offering a chance for startups to align with companies actively seeking innovation. Sponsors were able to engage with early-stage resident startups developing robotics solutions across diverse fields, from industrial automation and healthcare to autonomous systems and sustainable technologies. These interactions reinforced MassRobotics’ role as a bridge between cutting-edge innovation and the industry players looking to deploy and scale new technologies.

Harvard SEAS Dean David C. Parkes welcomes MassRobotics sponsor executives to kick off the intimate morning

The Future of Robotics & AI session at Harvard SEAS provided a forum for deeper discussion on where robotics and AI are headed. The event, limited to an intimate group of sponsor executives, featured Harvard faculty offering insights into ongoing research and emerging applications.

Participants toured Harvard’s robotics research labs and heard from experts including Paul Sabin from the Harvard Move Lab and Michael Bell of Fleet Robotics. A highlight of the morning was the keynote from Colin Angle, cofounder of iRobot, who shared reflections on the trajectory of robotics, the challenges facing the industry today, and the questions that will shape the next phase of development.

Colin Angle, founder of iRobot and MassRobotics Board member presenting his journey to the group

Across both events, a common theme emerged: the importance of sustained collaboration between industry, academia, and startups in driving forward robotics innovation. The conversations that took place at MassRobotics and Harvard SEAS underscored how corporate sponsors play a pivotal role in shaping this ecosystem, whether by supporting early-stage companies or engaging directly with emerging talent. These gatherings reaffirm the value of bringing together diverse perspectives to address complex challenges and unlock new opportunities in robotics and AI.